|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 1:24:42 AM
|
|
|
Florida_Mom_27
Posts: 16
Joined: 7/9/2008
Status: offline
|
Do you feel as a Christian that you are morally obligated to report tax evasion? I know someone who admits to not paying taxes for the last 5 years (not even filing) though that person has earned an income. Am I morally obligated to report this? Can you give me some Biblical evidence or verses? Also, I don't particularly like this person, so would this be considered a form of vengeance?
Thanks in advance for any info.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 9:46:01 AM
|
|
|
Random
Posts: 1057
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: Zipperhead
Status: offline
|
Moved from Finances
_____________________________
"That which has always been accepted by everyone, everywhere, is almost certain to be false." -- Valery
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 9:52:27 AM
|
|
|
P31W
Posts: 2955
Joined: 6/13/2005
Status: offline
|
quote:
I don't particularly like this person, so would this be considered a form of vengeance?
Probably. Have you been praying for this person? Have you shown this person sacrificial love so they can know you really care about them? Have you encouraged them to correct this situation?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 9:54:43 AM
|
|
|
rcjames
Posts: 5589
Joined: 7/15/2005
From: Oklahoma
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: LinMarie27
Do you feel as a Christian that you are morally obligated to report tax evasion? I know someone who admits to not paying taxes for the last 5 years (not even filing) though that person has earned an income. Am I morally obligated to report this? Can you give me some Biblical evidence or verses? Also, I don't particularly like this person, so would this be considered a form of vengeance?
Thanks in advance for any info.
Whether or not it would be vengence or not would be determined by your heart and your reasoning for such.
Now since you do not "KNOW" that he filed or did not file, or whether he earned enough income to be required to file or not; if it were me, I would leave it alone.
Thanks
RC
_____________________________
Just a country Preacher's humble opinion
Read the first chapter of my latest book here;
http://www.deliveranceofsara.com
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 9:59:43 AM
|
|
|
P31W
Posts: 2955
Joined: 6/13/2005
Status: offline
|
When you go over the speed limit do you turn yourself in?
(we had a young man ask us that once...it got me to thinking)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 10:59:56 AM
|
|
|
humbleinspirit
Posts: 17856
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
Status: offline
|
Depends, will you get in trouble for knowing but not reporting it also? I do not think it is a crime to not report something that you cannot get in trouble for also, unless it is hurting somebody else instead.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 1:06:20 PM
|
|
|
Florida_Mom_27
Posts: 16
Joined: 7/9/2008
Status: offline
|
Yes I have been praying for this person. As far as encouraging them, no. We are not in contact.
No I definitely do not turn myself in when I go over the speed limit, good point.
I probably would not get in trouble for NOT reporting it even though I know about it. I'm not sure on the laws on that. I do know that the government encourages us to report tax evasion when we know about it because it is stealing and it affects everyone. When people don't pay their taxes, schools suffer, roads, good programs that the government funds, etc.
So I guess you are right, I probably should not report it. I was hoping for some Bible verses to help on the subject, anyone know of any? Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 1:18:47 PM
|
|
|
mvic
Posts: 1537
Joined: 1/17/2008
Status: offline
|
It has nothing to do with you whether he pays taxes or not.
Do not judge lest you be judged also. (Ther's something about this in the Bible - can't find it right now. Can anyone help?)
The authorities are there to catch those who don't pay their taxes.
They may well encourage people to report tax evasion - but this is a dangerous trend. It may lead them to ask people to report other crimes too - driving with no insurance, having no work permit etc... etc ... It'll be a sad day when everyone is reporting on everyone; and it leaves room for mischeavous reporting to get your own back on someone you don't like. You can easily turn a nation into people spying on each other.
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 1:44:15 PM
|
|
|
Florida_Mom_27
Posts: 16
Joined: 7/9/2008
Status: offline
|
Well I do believe that tax evasion in general affects me because -- this is taken from a website ombwatch.org --
The money the IRS does not collect due to "tax cheats," non-compliance, loophole exploitation, or underpayments has a negative effect on the federal budget as well as the government's abilities to fund programs and services. As Comptroller General Walker mentioned in his testimony, paying taxes is a moral obligation people have as members of a society to provide funding for government services. He pointed out to members of the committee that people who do not pay taxes today are setting up their children and grandchildren for higher taxes in the future, because everybody ends up paying a small share for those who do not comply.
That probably generally refers to large corporations who evade their taxes, so yes this one person's evasion of paying taxes on a few hundred thousand probably does not directly affect me monetarily.
I don't not feel that your verse about juding applies here, but I may be wrong. God commands us in the Bible to pay our taxes. I'm not placing my own judgment or opinion on this person. It is a law that God commands us to uphold that this person is breaking.
I would appreciate hearing from someone who can direct me to some Bible verses on the subject. Thanks for all input :)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 2:16:35 PM
|
|
|
Florida_Mom_27
Posts: 16
Joined: 7/9/2008
Status: offline
|
I would also like to add that the verse "Judge not lest you be judged" is frequently misinterpreted by people, especially non-Christians. From my online researching the topic : (not my own words)
Jesus’ words “judge not” are frequently taken out of context, and the following verses are conveniently omitted. Scott Peck writes:
“The sentence ‘Judge not, that ye be not judged’ is usually quoted out of context. Christ did not enjoin us to refrain from ever judging. What he went on to say in the next four verses is that we should judge ourselves before we judge others--not that we shouldn’t judge at all. ‘Thou hypocrite,’ he said, ‘first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to case out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.’ (Mt. 7:5) Recognizing the potential for evil in moral judgments, he instructed us not to always avoid making them but to purify ourselves before doing so.”[13]
Here is what the Bible says, and Jesus says, about admonishing the sinner:
"Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart, but reprove him openly, lest thou incur sin through him” (Leviticus 19:17).
“He must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).
Jesus - “If thy brother sin against thee, reprove him: and if he do penance, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).
“Them that sin reprove before all: that the rest also may have fear” (1 Timothy 5:20).
“Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke in all patience and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2).
“Brethren, and if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
It is a grace from God to be corrected, a grace that should be thankfully and humbly accepted the moment it is offered to us. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsels" (Proverbs 12:15).
Today, unfortunately, the Ten Commandments have been replaced with what Alan Wolfe refers to as America’s Eleventh Commandment: Thou shalt not judge. William Bennett notes that “if they will not judge, they can be rightly suspected of being without convictions.”[3]
Those without convictions proclaim a mistaken notion of tolerance:
“But ‘tolerance’ can be a genuinely harmful force when it becomes a euphemism for moral exhaustion and a rigid or indifferent neutrality in response to every great moral issue—when, in G.K. Chesterton’s phrase, it becomes the virtue of people who do not believe in anything.”[4]
Withholding charitable correction when called to do so is plainly against Jesus’ teaching, and against the love of neighbor.
From www.gotquestions.org:
Federal income tax, state income tax, local income tax, sales tax, property tax, personal property tax, capital gains tax - the list could go on and on. Statistics show that in the United States, April 15th, tax day, is one of the most stressful days of the year. The Internal Revenue Service is probably the most despised government organization. Similarly, tax collectors were not thought highly of in Bible times (Matthew 11:19; 21:31-32; Luke 3:12-13).
As much as we hate taxes, as much as the tax system is corrupt and unfair, as much as there are far better things our money could go towards - the Bible commands, yes commands us to pay our taxes. Romans 13:1-7 makes it clear that we are to submit ourselves to the government. The only instance in which we are allowed to disobey the government is when it tells us to do something the Bible forbids. The Bible does not forbid paying taxes. In fact, the Bible encourages us to pay taxes. Therefore, we must submit to God and His Word - and pay our taxes.
Again, these are not my words, just what I have come across researching the topic. What I gather is that I shouldn't REPORT this person, but contact them directly about it, which I am not that excited about.
Can anyone else help me with some verse on the topic? Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 2:18:29 PM
|
|
|
humbleinspirit
Posts: 17856
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
Status: offline
|
But I do not think that this is an issue of judging one's brother though. It is one of whether you are doing which is right or wrong instead.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 2:29:56 PM
|
|
|
Florida_Mom_27
Posts: 16
Joined: 7/9/2008
Status: offline
|
RC, I think you are right and also MVIC when he said "The authorities are there to catch those who don't pay their taxes."
Romans 13:2 "Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."
I think I should let God take care of it.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 2:39:47 PM
|
|
|
BeckeyZ
Posts: 6382
Joined: 4/18/2005
From: the sunny side of the street
Status: offline
|
I wouldn't worry about it. The IRS will catch up with them eventually.
quote:
What If I Don't File Voluntarily?
The IRS is taking enforcement steps for those who repeatedly choose not to comply with the law. IRS employees will prepare returns when taxpayers do not file. The returns prepared by the IRS might not give credit for deductions and exemptions a taxpayer may be entitled to receive. Bills will be sent to those taxpayers for the tax due, plus penalties and interest.
People who repeatedly don't comply with the law are subject to additional enforcement measures
the above quote is taken from this source
As for biblical scriptures....I'm not sure. I know we are told to follow the laws of our government, and this person is guilty of that. But if your motives are because you don't like the person, then I would pray more about the whole "loving your enemy" more than whistleblowing.
**disclaimer** I work for the IRS, so I would be obligated to report it under diclosure laws.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 3:24:03 PM
|
|
|
mvic
Posts: 1537
Joined: 1/17/2008
Status: offline
|
On reading your posts one might be forgiven in believing that you've already made up your mind to report this person. Although your final: "I think I should let God take care of it." is alittle ambigious.
By all means, do as you think fit - but don't claim that you're reporting this person in the name of Christianity.
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/23/2008 4:10:16 PM
|
|
|
mvic
Posts: 1537
Joined: 1/17/2008
Status: offline
|
I'm glad you have not made up your mind.
Pastor RCJames, a person whom I respect a lot from his writings on these Forums has suggested you "leave it alone". Others have said the same thing. Yet you seek Biblical input on the matter. The title of your post suggests you should report this person in the name of Christianity.
No where in the Bible I have found Jesus to say: Report those who do wrong to the authorities. His examples and His teachings are based on love.
God bless you.
(edited to remove reference to another post that has now been removed)
< Message edited by Kath -- 8/28/2008 10:06:42 AM >
_____________________________
Christian words of comfort at http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
Welcome to my Blog
MEI VITA INDICO CHRISTUS
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/28/2008 3:00:17 PM
|
|
|
Florida_Mom_27
Posts: 16
Joined: 7/9/2008
Status: offline
|
So are you suggesting that one should base their life decisions on the opinions of others over what the Bible says on the subject?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Christians morally obligated to report tax evasion? - 8/30/2008 5:33:59 PM
|
|
|
solomonsprayer
Posts: 524
Joined: 8/1/2008
Status: offline
|
Interesting thread and thoughts.
I do not remember any place in the Bible where it says we ought to turn in someone (to the legal system), whom we know has sinned or commited some legal crime.
The Bible does say we ought to reprove and correct Christian brothers/sisters in their sin, but that seems to be one-on-one type of correction (though it can involve others, as in the 3-step disciplinary process described in Matthew, when they do not repent and we bring other church members in on it). But also, this does not apply to non-Christians. The 3-step disciplinary and reproval process was meant as a model for Christians I believe.
On the other hand, the Bible does say to follow and obey your government to the degree it does not contradict and compromise Christian commandments, so if the government says we need to report known criminal activity (from Christians and/or non-Christians), then we probably usually should do so right?
I'm just speculating here, because I do not know for sure.
I wonder if the type of offense matters. Like someone said, if you speed 15 over the limit...you wouldn't report yourself...nor your friend. It's wrong yes, but "socially excusable"???
However, if your neighbor was a sexual predator....I think almost everyone would agree it's a moral obligation to turn the guy over to authorities right?
But if it is situational....how then do we decide? ........ 
(Another thing too...I know many church ministries that work with gang members and prostitutes, who engage in illegal activity....so AI wonder how they justify that ......not turning them in.)
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
